Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16263, Zachariah Gatchell, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
Continental Mass.
or
Gatchell Zachariah Getchel
W. 16263
Goodale, Mary
Former widow
CONTENTS

3585
Massachusetts
Elizabeth Polly Libbey, Sarah Kimball, Betsy Gatchell, Mary Goodale, Mary West & Dorcas Davis Mary Goodale, dec? formerly widow of Zachariah Gatchell.
who died on the winter of 1796 or 1797 of Boston in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain Mess of the regt. commanded by Col. Sprout in the Mass. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. To end 25. Nov. 1840 the time of her death.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2. day of August 1841 and sent to Eleazer Homer, Esq. Boston, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 - }

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the fourth of July A.D. 1836, and an act in addition to the same.
State of Maine York County ss. On this eleven th day of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me William Allen Hayes Esquire judge of Probate within & for the said county of York Mary Goodale of Wells in said county of York, Widow aged Ninety years, who by reason of her great age and bodily infirmity is unable to travel and attend court and who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed the fourth day of July 1836 That she was the Widow of Leachman Gatchell who was a sergeant in the army of the revolution, - that the said Leachman Gatchell in May 1775 enlisted in Capt. Samuel Sawyer's company of Wells in Col. Seammens regiment for the term of eight months, which term of time he duly served - & after being discharged he again enlisted in the same company in Col. Pattensons regiment for the term of one year to wit: from January 1776 to January 1777 - and this term of duty he performed agreeably to his enlistment, I have often heard him say that he was in the battle of Bunker Hill, at Dorchester heights when the British left Boston - After the expiration of said years service he again enlisted in Capt. Duncels company of York, Col. Brewers battalion - for what time he enlisted & how long he served I cannot precisely state, but in March 1777 while he belonged to Capt. Duncels company he came home on a furlough and at my persuasion he overstaid his time - I was very poor having two children - & no means of living - I persuaded him to stay at home and

put some seed into the ground, which he did to save some of the children from starvation. Mr. John Scitledge tried to arrest him & carry him back to the army. By my assistance he avoided being arrested - but in May of the same year he returned to the army voluntarily, & carried with him five new recruits to wit: Edward Hilton, Elijah Boston, Thomas Boston, Blisha Boston & one other name not recollected - He enlisted afterwards for three years & four other terms which covered the whole time of the war - He did not return again till after the Peace of 1803 - when he came home with other soldiers & officers belonging to the army - He was a sergeant, a part of the time he was in Capt. Williams Company Col. Sprouts Regiment - I have heard him say that he was at the taking of Bunkerhill - My husband served in the army during the whole war - that is from the spring of 1775 to 1803 except the said time when in 1777 when he had a furlough of 3 weeks over his time - I received several letters from my husband while in the army & he brought home many papers, which have been mostly destroyed - I have handed over some original papers which my husband brought home with him from the army & also one letter dated at West Point Sep. 24 - 1803 which I received from him not long before he came home, to Nicholas Gilman Esquire to assist in making out proof of my husband's service.
She further declares that she was married to the said Lachanah Gatchell on the twenty sixth day of August A.D. 1773 - and that her husband the aforesaid Lachanah Gatchell died in the West Indies in the Winter of 1796-1797 - and that she was again married to Lachanah Goodale about the first of July A.D. 1812 - and the said Goodale died September the second in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty six, and that she

has remained a widow even since that period as will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed -
Witness
Wm. A. Hayes - Nich. Gilman
her Mary + Goodale Mark
On the Eleventh day of July A.D. 1830 - Then personally appeared the above named Mary Good ale whom I certify to be unable, by reason of her great age and bodily infirmity, to travel and attend court of meader solemn oath, that the foregoing declaration by her subscribed is just and true
Before me Wm. A. Hayes Judge of Probate York Co Maine
State of Maine.
York ss. I John Sheele Register of the court of Probate within and for the County of York hereby certify that William A. Hayes is Judge of the court of Probate for said County of York, and that the signature to the paper herewith annexed and purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this sixteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty eight.
John Sheele Register of Probate for the County of York

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk ss. At the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, in said County, on the first Monday of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one, in open court. 222.
Satisfactory evidence was, this fourth day of Jan'y in the year aforesaid, given to me the subscriber, Judge of the said Court, that Mary Getchell, widow (of Lechanah Getchell, a soldier of the Revolutionary war,) removed from Wells, in the County of York and State of Maine, on the twen- ty first day of September last past (1840) to the City of Boston aforesaid, and that she continued to reside in said city until the twenty fifth day of November follow- ing and now past; and that on the said twenty fifth day of November, she said Mary Getchell died, at the advan- ced age of Ninety seven years.
It was further satisfactorily proved to the court, that the said Mary Getchell left at her death the following children, and none other, viz. Nabby White, widow of John White, de- ceased, and Polly Dalton, wife of William Dalton, all of Augusta in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine.

Also Anna Kimball, wife of Jacob Kimball, and Betsey Getchell, single woman, and all of Wells aforesaid.
Also Marian Wiles, wife of John Wiles; Phebe West widow of John West; and Dorcas Davis widow of Amos Davis; and all of them now living in the city of Boston aforesaid.
The said aforementioned seven children of said Mary Getchell, are now living, and are her legal heirs and representatives, and entitled to any arrears of pension due or coming to said Mary Getchell their mother, at the time of her decease from the United States of America.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name seal. Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the city of Boston being a County Court of Record.

I Joseph Hilton of Wells in the County of York & State of Maine Yeoman aged eighty five testify depose and say, that Mary Gadsale of Wells is my sister, that three or three years before the war she was married to Leachman Gatchell, the brother of my wife, my said sister had two children at the commencement of the revolutionary war early in the war. the said Gatchell enlisted in Capt Samuel Sloyens company, and marched to Cambridge Massachusetts, and after he had served out that term he told me that he again enlisted for the term of two years, which over year he served in the same company - I have often heard him say that he was in the army in Ticonderoga and in Canada, The said Gatchell was out in the army according to the best of my recollection four years - and may have been more - I was in the army and never drew a pension - When Gatchell was at Cambridge I was at Beecher's point -
Joseph his X Hilton Marks
Witness Wm. H. Hayes - Nich. Gilman
State of Maine, York ss. July 11 - 1830 - Then personally appeared the said Joseph Hilton who is well known to me to be a person of truth and veracity and whose statements are entitled to full credit, and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed is true. Before me Wm. H. Hayes Just Cause

State of Maine.
York ss.
I John Skeele Register of the court of Probate, within and for the County of York, hereby certify that William C. Hayes, Nicholas Gilman and William Bourne are Justices of the Peace within and for said County of York, and that the signatures to the papers herunto annexed and purporting to be theirs are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands, and affixed the seal of said court this sixteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
John Skeele { Register of Probate for the County of York.

I Nicholas Gilman clerk of the Town of Wells in the County of York and State of Maine certify that under the head "Persons joined in Marriage" in the Records of said Town is the following, "Seventeen hundred and seventy three August twenty sixth, Zachariah Gatchel & Mary Wilton", and the same is a true copy of the Record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows "1773 Aug. 26 Zachariah Gatchel & Mary Wilton". —
I Nicholas Gilman above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in said Town of Wells in the County Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
Nich d Gilman Clerk of the Town of Wells
Wells July 10. 1838. —
York St. July 10 th 1838.
Then personally appeared Nicholas Gilman above named and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
before me "Wm d Soune, Just of the Peace"
Wells, July 10 th 1838 I the subscriber hereby certify that the above named Nicholas Gilman holds the office of Clerk of the said Town of Wells
"Wm d Soune { Justice of the Peace"

I Nich o Gilman of Wells in the County of York Eng l testify depose and say that I am Town Clerke of the Town of Wells, and that on the Records of said Town the intentions of Marriage of Zachariah Goodale and Mary Gatchell were published June 13. 1812 in the words and figures following (viz.) "Zachariah Goodale and Mary Gatchell both of Wells intend Marriage" June 13. 1812"
and I the said Nicholas Gilman further depose and say that the papers here to annexed found among the papers of the said Zachariah Gatchell deceased, at the dwelling house on the land which he occupied at the time of his decease and I have no doubt they are genuine original papers of those purporting to be signed by him were really signed by his own hand -
Nich o Gilman
The words "on the land" interlined before signing
Witness Wm. A. Hayes
State of Maine. York ss July 11 th A.D. 1830-
Then personally appeared the above named Nicholas Gilman, (whom I certify to be a man of truth and veracity, and that his statements are entitled to full credit) and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposi- tion by him subscribed is true.
Before me Wm. A. Hayes Just e Peace
4.3665- Mary Gatchell formerly widow of Zachariah Gatchell Me
Oct 16. 27 - Sno. 75- Bonneau - Maine 15th day of July 1830 - deposi- tion of Zachariah Gatchell - Small Subscribers Oct 16. 17570 for 5889 to her interest from 11 July 88-

Gatchell, Zechariah Cont. - Mass. W 16263

To pay to Zachariah Gitchell of Eighteen Shillings & money at the same out of my first in so being you will be oblige the Serjeant stone P. Master to the Regiment of Ephraim Shaw 18 th Aug 1702

Received Albany Feb 10th 1871 from Jacob C. ... bills from ... Seventy ... hundred ... Pounds ... Seven hundred ... bills ... Thirty ... hundred ... hundred ... light ... Seven ... ... ... 22. 90 ... having ... Receipt of the ... Date ... Zacharies: Gatehouse ...
Zacharies

Go by for the Bengal Gang Dak very well
The image shows a close-up of a heavily aged and worn surface, likely the cover or endpaper of an old book. The texture is rough and mottled, with various shades of gray, black, and white. There are numerous small holes, pits, and irregularities across the surface, suggesting insect damage or severe wear. In the bottom right corner, there is a small, dark, handwritten mark that resembles the number '10' followed by a cursive letter, possibly 'e' or 'f'. The overall appearance is that of antique leather or parchment that has been subjected to significant environmental and biological degradation.
Esther Lacharite Oct. 4/95 3 1/2/93
Robert Lee 1718 Tokyo Japan 1844
William Lloyd Jennings 1715

West Gint September 29 th 1883
Loving wife My kind Love to you and my children I hope you will find for Bill ... I hope to find I hope to find ... Joyce to ... but Returned to ... again and Expect to ... in one month from the ... we Expect to be ... about fifteen Days or

then return to you as soon as possible for for I have brought the year's one & 1 wagons and I expect to be back in the 1st and that will be the end of the year
that if on one of the days that I am so I am now at the end of the year
Remain as ever Yours truly
Zachariah Gatchell
Gatchell, Zachariah Cont. - Mass. W 16 21 63

To M c Lachanor Gilchell April 17
Friend Ye
That we Placing Special Trust In Secular Confidence in your Loyalty Fidelity and Diligence To the Cause in which we are now engaged: We in Defense of the Rights Interests and Privileges of the United States of America Do by these Presents Nominate Constitute & Appoint you the third Sergeant of Col. James Donnell's Company in the Regiment under my Command: and you are from the Date of this my Commission to be and remain as such doing your Duty to the utmost of your power Paying Due Obedience to the Commands of your Superior Officers: and also In Subordination to you are strictly enjoined to pay Due Obedience to Such Commands as you shall from time to time receive from your Superior Officers for the good of the Service Or that you may see fitt to send thereunto
Given under my hand at Isaac M c Brice Camp
Copy of a Commission of Foot in the Service of the United States

Gatchell, Zachariah Cont. Mass. W 16263
There is now  none in the to this paper written in in the town of Wells
L Zacharies Gatchell
Went to Beaufort the County of Beaufort
named 1779
Zachariah Gatchell
very much obliged
Stephen Barker
for the the work of the work

WIDOW, & Co.
16268
Mary Goodale  Frances Hildreth Zerchariah Gatchell Pre New War
Act July 1 st 86
Box: Vol. a , Page 264
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Small, faint, handwritten mark or scribble on the left side of the page.
A small, dark, circular mark or hole near the bottom center of the page.

Mary Goodale dec d formerly wid of Zachariah Gatchell Mass.
Act July 4 1836.
Marned 1773
died 25 Nov 1840.
Allow $80 per ann. by Mass line Col. Spectat. Certificate to Nabby White widow of Jn o White. Polly Dalton w f of W m Dalton. Anna Kimball wife of Jacob Kimball Betsey Gatchell, Marion Wiles, wife of Jn o Wiles Polly West wife of Jn o West, & Lucas Sans wid of Simon Davis Children of said Mary Gatchell da r from March 4 1837 to Nov 25 1840, the time of her death
E
Eliza Homer Esq.
Boston Mass.

Zachanal Gatchell of Mills. York.
m. 1773. d. 97
75 8 mo
76 12 "
m. 77 3/4 P. Donnell 60 of York
Up the army takes home afterwards settled again very for 38, and other things
Brook. age 23. 77 to Relm
Set. Sep 24 83 to his wife. After a long tedious journey to Phila. Pa back again to W. Pt. Joseph & then to your one m.
d. 25 Nov, 1840
Abby White wife of J. White
Polly Dalton wife of W.
Anne Kimball wife of Jacob.
Betsy Gatchell
Marian White wife of J. White
Phoebe West wife of G. West
Lucia Dain wife of Amos Dain

Boston, April 13 th 1841.
Sir,
As the children of Mrs. Mary Goudale are very anxious respecting the pension due to her at the time of her death, I have been induced to make another effort to obtain the allowance of her claim. I find in the office of the Secretary of State a list of men in the "new second Massachusetts Regiment, dated 1783, containing over three hundred names, very few of which can be found in the Army Books of the first three years service. On the said list appears the name of Zachariah Gatchel in the " 1 st company cap d Alden ", with twenty-seven other names in the same company. This list, I think, must have been the last three years service, and as the heirs state that Gatchel served through the whole war, it is very probable that he performed much service after his desertion. I also find recorded in the army books that he received a discharge from General Knox October 28 th , 1783 . This with the list above mentioned will warrant the belief that he was in the last three years service. As I understand that the books containing accounts of said service are in your

office, I therefore request that you will cause them to be searched, especially the second Regiment, and I fully believe that evidence will be found sufficient to substantiate the claim, as in your last letter you state "If it can be shewn by a high grade of evidence that he served as much as six months afterwards, her claim may be sustained.
Yours, Respectfully, Eleazer Homer
James G. Edwards, Esq. Washington.

Goodale Memulungus

Boston July 19, 1841,
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 13 th inst, respecting the case of Mrs. Mary Goodale. The service of her first husband subsequent to his desertion, you say "must be regarded as having been rendered under his three years enlistment;" now the service required to make up the full term of his enlistment is nineteen months and four days, (as will be seen by reference to the copy of his account forwarded to you,) and as the general discharge of the army did not take place till November 3 rd 1783, and he was discharged the 28 th of October previous, it is more than probable that he had then fulfilled the remainder of the term for which he enlisted.
The payment of thirty-two dollars and thirty five cents mentioned in the Secretary's Certificate for service in 1783 was but the balance due after deducting the value of clothing, &c. As it is fully proved that he was dis-

charged the 28 th of October 1783, there can be no reasonable doubt that the service extended from his return to the army in 1782 till his discharge by General Knox.
As there is no way of ascertaining the extent of his service in 1782, the heirs are willing that it should be computed according to the amount of payment, (which will make it nearly six months,) although that also, was probably but the balance due him.
As by the Act of Congress passed March 2 d 1833, all service before September 3 d 1783, is to be allowed, the service in 1783 will be eight months and three days, which, with the six months above mentioned will make about fourteen months.
Please inform me of your decision, as soon as possible, as the heirs are very anxious respecting it,
Yours, Respectfully,
Eleazer Homer
James L. Edwards, Esq r Washington. D. C.

Oct 7. 1860
Rev. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington Dist of Col.

South Berwick, Maine, Sept 30. 1840
Hon. James L. Edwards Commission of Pensions Sir,
Several weeks since I sent an a new declaration of your then evidence in the case of Mary Goodall formerly Widow of Leachanick Gatchell I have received no answer - I thought the evidence was full of that she is clearly entitled to a pension - she is also extremely poor & is supported by maiden daughters, & she is also old & feeble - I beg for humanity's sake the case may receive the earliest possible attention -
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Yours &c.
Wm. A. Hayes

Dear James L. Edwards
Pension Commission
Washington D.C.
replied Ann Clifford 1872

South Berwick July 8 - 1840-
Dear Nathan Clifford,
Dear Sir,
Inclosed I send you an additional declaration of Mary Goodall for a pension. Mrs Goodall has been kept out of her money a great while, and I have feared that she has suffered, in consequence of prejudice in the department against me, unjustly arising from Rob. B. Bice only's having brought one of his fraudulent cases before me - That case, Mrs Bice's, was passed on, in full, as well as open court with all usual forms; and it was impossible for me to guard against her false answers - If any such prejudice exists I wish you to assure them it is without foundation - Mrs Goodall's case is never put beyond question, & I hope you will procure from the department a pension certificate with your usual despatch - for the old lady is very old, and needy - The trouble was that her husband came home to provide for a suffering family & was very frequently marked as a deserter - on the Rolls - Washington issued a proclamation offering to pardon all who should return to the army, Deborah Gatchell, then her husband, immediately

returned to the army of service till the close of the war when he was honorably discharged. Massachusetts paid him for his services rendered before the desertion in consequence of his having returned to the army. Mrs Goodall's husband Bachariah Gatchell served in the army almost the whole war of all this time after their marriage if it would be cruel in her object poverty, if she could not obtain a pension. I am extremely obliged by your prompt & successful attention to our business
Respectfully
Yours &
Wm. H. Hayes

St. Berwick, Aug 20 Aug 14
Revolutionary claims
Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

South Berwick, Maine, August. 13- 1839.
Hon James L. Edwards
Sir
I have never yet received a pension certificate for Mrs Mary Goodall formerly the widow of Leachman Gatchell deceased.
It appeared by evidence in your department that said Gatchell had deserted while in the service. I sent you a newspaper showing when he deserted and also sent an evidence to show that he was a soldier in the service the very last of the revolutionary war. I did hope that the evidence would be satisfactory and that you would order her a pension. She is extremely poor and is fully entitled to a pension, and I hope any little want of form will not prevent her receiving her just dues. As the service must be more fully stated, she must rely on the papers evidence in your department from which to make her declaration.
Respectfully Yours &c
Wm. A. Hays

Boston February 10, 1841.
Sir,
I received yours of the 6th ult. respecting the claim of Mrs. Gatchell, & it was with surprize that I read your statement that no claim had been asserted in her name from the State of Maine. But on inquiring of the heirs I find that the widow of Ichabiah Gatchell was married to one Goodale or Goodell, and, as this was not stated to me before, I very much regret the trouble it may have caused you. I find the claim was made agreeably to the rules of the law of July 4, 1836, and the explanatory act of March 3, 1837. Those papers which you state in your letter "will be filed under the act of July, 1838," you will please to transfer to the case of Mary Goodale of Wells, Maine, under the first mentioned act.
And now, Sir, I have a few words to say relative to his desertion. By your letter, you would seem to imply that "no allowance can, by the rules, be made for any service rendered previous to his desertion," although it can be clearly proved that he returned to duty , and received an honorable discharge . You say "the merit of his services was destroyed by that act of infidelity to his country,

"and to the obligations of his enlistment," but was not the merit restored by his return to duty, and fulfilment of the terms of his enlistment.? How otherwise could he have received an honorable discharge . And it is well known, by all persons conversant with the History of the Revolutionary War, that from the miseries and privations which the Soldiers were obliged to endure, they deserted by hundreds, and they knew that if they remained and served their time out faithfully, the pay which they would receive, would, by no means, be a just compensation for their services; and in many cases the pay for a year's service was not sufficient to support them on their way home. This, Sir, is not exaggeration, but, you well know, it is the truth. And it is also known that a Proclamation was issued by General Washington, to the effect that any deserter who would return to duty, should receive a pardon and full pay up to the time of his desertion. This Proclamation may be found in the newspapers of the time, and is proved by the Army Books, in the Secretary's Office. Many of the deserters returned to duty, (the husband of Mrs Goodale among the rest,) and were pardoned.
Now I ask, is it right, is it just, that at this late day, the act of desertion, for which they were fully pardoned, should be revived against

them, or their widows, to deprive them of the pension which is justly their due.?
Is it accordant with the spirit of the pension laws, that the poor and aged widows should be made to suffer, for what their husbands were, by their sufferings, driven to do. Any descendant of a Revolutionary Veteran will answer, no! And if this claim is refused on account of the desertion, an appeal to congress will be the result.
It appears by your letter that the rolls in your office "shew the desertion of her late husband on 10 th July 1778; but afford no evidence of his rejoining and obtaining a discharge". But it is shewn by the certificate of the Secretary of State, and is his certificate duly authenticated not to be received as evidence.? And because the rolls which you have afford no evidence in her favor, is it to be considered as evidence against her? because the rolls do not shew that he did return to duty, is it positive proof that he did not ? As no mention is made in your letter of the Secretary's certificate, I conclude that no notice is taken of it. Please let me know your decision as soon as possible.
Yours, Respectfully,
James L Edwards Esq Washington. D.C.
Eleazer Homer JG

Boston January 8 th 1840.
Sir,
As Mrs Mary Getchell, widow of Zachariah Getchell, formerly of Wells Maine, (whose claim to a pension was intrusted to the care of William A Hayes Esq of that place,) removed to this city in September last, and died here in November, I was requested by the heirs and by Judge Hayes to attend to the case, and I have therefore obtained the accompanying certificate of the Judge of the Municipal Court properly authenticated respecting the number of heirs. I am informed by Judge Hayes that the only objection to her claim, was that her husband deserted. I have ascertained by sundry papers and documents in the office of the Secretary of State, that he afterwards returned to duty, and was discharged, as specified in the Secretary's Certificate. There will, therefore, be no objection to the claim. The 16 Months and 26 Days in 1777 & 1778 with the 8 months in 1775 will be sufficient for a full pension. Please forward the certificate as soon as convenient.
Yours, Respectfully, Eleazer H. Homer
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Boston, June, 29 th 1841.
Sir,
The certificate mentioned in your letter of April 21 st , as necessary to substantiate the claim of the heirs of Mrs Mary Goodale was sent from here on the 26 th of April, since which I have received no return whatever, respecting it.
As the return, of a case forwarded June 14, was received in less than a fortnight from that date, I am induced to believe that there has been an "unnecessary delay" in the case of Mrs Goodale, and I therefore request that you will forward the certificate as soon as possible, or the reasons for its delay.
Yours, Respectfully,
Eleazer Hooper D.K.
James L Edwards Esq r Washington. D.C.

Boston, April 2 th 1841.
Sir,
Herewith enclosed is the certificate of the Secretary, of Zachariah Getchell's service. I have thought proper to procure a certified copy of his account in the Army Book, which, I presume, will be sufficient evidence, that he received a discharge October 28, 1783. If the service, from the time he returned to the army till his discharge, is not sufficient for a full pension, I think it will not be improper to include the eight months in 1775, (proved by a former certificate,) as it was not connected with the service at the time of his desertion.
Yours, Respectfully.
Elizer Homer.
James L Edwards, Esq Washington.

Boston February 22 nd 1841
Sir
I received yours of the 16 th inst, and answer thus soon in order to clear the Honor the Judge of our Municipal Court from your charge of "an exceptionally loose mode of taking evidence", and I trust I can give the "explanation" required by you in a satisfactory manner.
From enquiries made since my last letter it appears that the widow has for a number of years past been called Setchell and but one disinterested person could be found in the city who knew her previous to her removal from Wells to Boston, and he was not acquainted with the fact of her having been married a second time. We appeared in Court, and made oath to the facts stated in the certificate; but having never known the widow by any other name than Setchell, she was so called in the certificate.
In the application made to me, by the heirs, she was called Mary Setchell, and I had not the least suspicion of her name being other than that. If with this "explanation" the certificate will not answer, testimony upon oath can be obtained that Mary Goodale, was the person mentioned in the certificate, as Mary Setchell or a new certificate, although it will be with much trouble and expense.
I shall endeavour to find proof of the service after the desertion, as I have no doubt that there was enough to entitle her to a full pension.

Please let me know your decision in the case of Hannah Butman, as soon as possible
Yours respectfully
Eleazer Homer
James L. Edwards esq l Washington D. C.

Revolutionary Claims - No. 10 Nov 6. 40.
Jan
Rev. James L. Edwards Comm n of Pensions Washington Dist of Col
Mr. Goodale

South Berwick Maine Oct. 16- 1840
Hon James L. Edmonds
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 18th of July 1840, to the Hon. Nathan Clifford in relation to the claim of Mrs Mary Goodale for a pension by some mistake, was not communicated to me till lately when it was forwarded from your department.
I would not give you unnecessary labor, but will respectfully suggest that the friends of old Mrs Goodale are very much disappointed at your determination, & have requested me to write you again in her behalf. I have not presented copies of her declaration, nor of the evidence furnished you in support of the same - I do not know that she can make a declaration more particular, or furnish any further evidence, but am fully satisfied that she is entitled to a pension for the full term of service. When you consider that she is a poor old woman suffering for the necessaries of life, & still has two much pride to go to the poor house, you will patiently bear with me while I suggest that there is full evidence that her former husband Leachman Getchell returned to the army after

his desertion. This appears by evidence from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts furnished you, which proves his service in a never on consolidated regiment after the desertion - It also appears by a certificate that his pay was made up for service before desertion in consequence of a discharge in 1783 signed by Gen Henry Knox. This I thought proved First, the service after the desertion from the time that we share him in the service in the consolidated Regiment up to the date of the discharge.
Second , That his subsequent service did away the effect of his desertion, and gave him a right to his pay for previous service - That his wages for services before desertion were actually paid him - and were paid in consequence of Gen. Knox certificate of discharge. General Washington repeatedly issued proclamations offering pardon to all deserters who would return & join the army, & as you find Gatchell after his desertion serving in the army he was entitled to the full benefit of such a proclamation.
Then there is the original letter from Mr. Gatchell in Sept. 1783 from West Point, which you say "is the only documentary evidence of his service after desertion." I think on a review of the case you will find evidence from the records of Massachusetts that he served after his desertion in one of the consolidated regiments of that state, in a company called the Colborne Company. A long time has elapsed since Mr. Gatchell served in

the army - all are dead who knew of his service, and the documentary evidence is principally in your department. Under these circumstances great liberality should be used in granting pensions, where you are satisfied the services were rendered. There is also the testimony of one or more of his neighbours who swear that he did not return from the army till after the Peace in the Fall of 1703 - This, Sir, is not a made up case - she is really entitled to a pension. I can procure you the testimony of the Selectmen & of all the principal inhabitants of Wells stating their belief that Mrs Mary Goadale is entitled to a full pension. When her husband served during almost the whole war, was a good soldier, had an honorable discharge when he left the army at its close in 1703 - it seems hard that his only offence, (desertion, which had been forgiven him if he returned to Green) should be visited with such severity on his poor old widow. I beg you would look as favorably as you can on the case & grant her such a pension as seems to you right - I think he must have enlisted again & the evidence thereof is lost -
Respectfully
Yours &
Wm. A. Hayes

7573 Mary Gatchell D.D. Maine Act 7 July 38
E. Homer wd Boston Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, January 8 th 1841
I hereby Certify , That Peter O. Shaeffer is a Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Biglow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, January 7 th 1841.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Zachariah Gitchell is borne on a "Return of Captain Sayers Company, in the 30 th Reg t of foot Commanded by Colonel James Scammon," as a private from Wells, enlisted May 3 d 1775. The Return is signed, "Samuel Sayer, Capt o ." The Name of Zachariah Gitchell is again, signed to, and borne on an order dated "Cambridge November 3. 1775," for coats for the Soldiers in Captain Samuel Sayers Company. It also appears that Zachariah Gitchell of York served in the Col o Company, Col o Sprouts Reg t from February 15 th 1777 to July 10 th 1778, being 16 months, 26 days, when he deserted, and returned to duty, (the exact date is not stated) and was afterwards honorable discharged . His family received supplies from the town of Wells.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Mary Goodall Declaration to amending pension Declaration to obtain a pension
Hon. N Clifford Wor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 26 th 1840.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Zachariah Gitchell is borne in a "Return of Capt. Sayers Company in the 30 th Reg t of foot. Commanded by Col. James Scammon, belonging to the Army of the United Colonies of North America with an abstract of the Pay due to said Company to the last day of July inclusive, as a Private from Wells. enlisted May 3 rd 1775. The Return is signed. Samuel Sayer Capt." The name of Zachariah Gitchell appears in an order dated Cambridge Nov. 3. 1775, for Coats for the Soldiers in Captain Samuel Sayer's Company. The order is signed by Zachariah Gitchell and fourteen others.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.
[over.]

It also appears in addition to the within Service, that Zachariah Gatchell of York, served in the Colonel's Company, Col. Sprouts Regiment from February 15 th 1777 to July 10 th 1778, being 16 months, 26 days, when he deserted. His Account was "Made up, agreeable to his discharge, signed by M c Knox, M c . General. 28 th Octo- ber 1783".
His name also appears on "An Account of Public Securities, due to Officers and Soldiers of the late New Second Massachusetts Regiment for the year 1783, delivered to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by Joshua Danforth, Paymaster and Agent of said Regiment, agreeably to An Order of Governor and Council." Where it appears that 32 dollars 35 Cents were due him in the above named Regiment for services in 1783.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, April 26 th 1841.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Zachariah Gilchell is borne on An account of Public Securities, due to officers and Soldiers of the late New Second Massachusetts Regiment for the Year 1783, delivered to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, by Joshua Danforth, Paymaster and agent of said Regiment, agreeably to An order of Governor & Council, "in the 1 st Company Capt n Alden", where it appears that thirty two dollars, and thirty five cents, were due to him.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, September 11 th 1838
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Zachariah Getchel of York served in the Colonel's Company, Col. Sproat's Regiment as a private from Feb. 15. 1777 to July 10 th 1778 - Sixteen months 26 days - at 10/ per month - Deserted 10 th July 1778.
account "made up agreeable to his discharge signed by H. Knox M. General - 28 October 1783." and it also appears that Zachariah Getchell of Wells, received certain Supplis from the said town of Wells from April 1777 to October 1779.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Revolutionary July 24 Clann 3
3665.
Mr
Me 4 July 1836 30 Dec
Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington
J. B.

Dear the Benwick July 18-1838
Hon James B Edmonds
Sir,
Inclosed I send you the Declaration of Mary Gaddale for a pension as having been the wife of Elishiah Gatchell late a revolutionary soldier - You will find the case well made out by direct proof, circumstantial evidence & documents brought by said Gatchell from the army - You will perceive that the applicant is very aged, and I must beg the favor that you will attend to the case as soon as possible.
A widow of a childless soldier who died in the service during the late war wish to make application for half pay for five years - I will be obliged if you will forward to me your printed form for such application.
Respectfully
Yours &
Wm. H. Hays

Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington - D

South Berwick, Maine, Sept. 27 th 1838.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
Inclosed I send your further evidence in support of the claim of Mary Goodall formerly Widow of Leachiah Gatchell which evidence I think will be amply sufficient to entitle her to a full pension -
1. The Independent Chronicle dated May 2 nd 1777 in which he is advertised as a deserter, (This paper is borrowed from your inspection, with an assurance that it shall be returned, as it is very valuable to the owner, it being one of a full series of papers, which he is desirous of keeping entire - I will therefore ask the favour that the paper may be returned to me.) If he deserted in April 1777 or in July 10, 1778 - or at both times - his subsequent return to the army, and service therein, destroys the effects of the supposed desertion, and he is received into full favour, and his whole service should be allowed him as well before as after the supposed desertion - I send you the deposition of Thomas Boston a respectable witness of one who is entitled to full cred. who testifies to his service till the close of the war -
2. I also send you a certificate of John B. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by which it appears that said Gatchell was in the army serving as a soldier in Oct. 1779 - & that on the 28 th day of October 1783 he was discharged from the army by a written discharge, under the hand of Major General Henry Knox - This discharge must certainly destroy the effects of the supposed desertion, and operate as an excuse, an pardon, and that the entry on the army books was made by a mistake. The law was made for the relief of

Soldiers of their widows, & should receive such a liberal construction as will carry into effect the benevolent intentions of the Congress of the United States -
It is perfectly certain that the said Gatchell served nearly the whole of the war of the revolution, and certainly the last three or four years, & till the close thereof, - the said widow is very poor, and I hope any omission in the form of her declaration will be overlooked, & not be a cause for any longer delay in her receipt of the bounty of her country, which she so very much needs -
3 o I also send you a copy of Gatchell's accounts on the army books as copied by one of the clerks in the Secretary of State's office.
I think the evidence will be perfectly satisfactory; but should it be otherwise, be pleased to return to me all the papers in the case, and also copies of such minutes as relates to Gatchell's service in your department, that we may make a new declaration & furnish such evidence as the case requires.
Respectfully
Yours &c
Wm. H. Hayes

ice thing said let Ruby entang time 3. name the org house
Res
Dr Samuel More
Wells Me.

Zachariah Getchel of York in the Colonel's Company in the Continental Artillery Regiment Cr
  1779 To cash paid him for proceeds of State Lottery £ 30 (Value £ 2 8 7   April To 1 Shirt, 1 pair Shoes, 1 pair Hose supplied by the State at the regulated price 1 4 4   To his proportion of small Stores delivered in camp at regulated Price deducting the value of what he paid towards them 1 6 7   To a Bounty of £ — paid him by or behalf of the Town of York 0 0 0   To 16 months 26 Days Wages paid him by the Continent at 40s per m o £ 33.14.4   To amount of articles supplied his family at the regulated price by the Town of Wells, deducting the value of what he paid towards them. Value 12 1 8   2 14 10   19 16 0   17 19 3   £ 37 15 3 
Disbursed 18 th July 1778.
By his service from Feb y 15 th 1777 to July 10 th 1778: is 16 m o 26 Days at 40s per m o for which the nominal sum has been paid him by the continent  By Delay & Int. 4 0 7  £ 37.15.3 made up agreeable to his discharge signed By H Knox M c General 28 th October 1783.
Dec r 31 To Balance
The above Balance £ 17.19.3 multiplied by 32 1/2 to make good the Depreciation, is in current money $ 83.16 1/4
Ex d J. W. Crt. 15 th Nov. 1783. X X

Boston Sept r 12 th 1838
Sir,
Enclosed is a Certificate of the service of Zachariah Getchel, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war, which I am requested to forward to you, by the daughter, to be used by you in the Case of the widow of said Getchel, in order to obtain a pension, according to the Act of July 4 1836.
It appears, that he was returned a deserter the 10 th July 1778. on the Army books of accounts remaining in the Secretary's Office, but may have been reinstated by Gen Washington's proclamation, with many others who deserted at the same time.
It also appears that he received a discharge Oct. 28. 1783. and in another book, he is charged with family supplies from April, 1777. to Oct. 1779. which shows he was in service at that time.
The annexed account may serve to facilitate the researches at the Pension Office at Washington, if they reject the Certificate. They may find more service by examining the documents after 1780. where his name will be found if he served again. This account may be made use of by the Representative of your District in case of entire refusal on account of the Desertion.
Respectfully Yrs &c
Ebenezer D. Homer

I Thomas Baston of Kennebec Port in the County of York and State of Maine aged seventy seven years testify before and say that I am now a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, I enlisted in the Revolutionary Army in the Month of March seventeen hundred and eighty one in the company commanded by Capt. Williams and in Col. Sprouts Regiment for three years and served in said company and Regiment until the close of the War, and then I continued in the service of the United States for fifteen Months after the close of the War. —
I further testify and say that I was Born in Wells in said County of York that I well knew Zachariah Getchell late of said Wells deceased, and I well know that said Getchell was in the Army of the Revolution for some time previous to my enlistment, and at the time of my said enlistment at Wells aforesaid, said Getchell was there and went with me in company with several others who enlisted at the same time to Cambridge in Massachusetts said Getchell acting as a Sargent of the Army, and then said Getchell joined the company of Grenadiers, he being a very tall Man, in said Col. Sprouts Regiment, the name of the Captain of the Grenadiers I do not recollect, and said Getchell served in said Col. Sprouts Regiment until the close of the War and was then honorably discharged and returned home. —
Witness Nich t Gilman Eben G. Moore
This Thomas J. Baston Mark

State of Maine
York County ss. September 3. 1838 -
Then personally appeared the within named Thomas Benton and made solemn Oath that the within deposition by him signed is just and true according to his best recollection and belief
Before me Nich l Gilman Just. Peace State of Maine.
Yah o . I John Sheele Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of York, being a bond of Record hereby certify that Nicholas Gilman is a justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty second day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
John Sheele, { Register of Probate York County, Maine.

Dr. Leachariah Gatchel of York in the Colonels 1779 To cash paid him from Proceeds of State Lottery April To 1 Shirt 1 pair Shoes, 1 pair Hose, supplied by the at the regulated Price,
To his proportion of small Stores delivered in camp, a Price, deducting the Value of what he paid towards To a Bounty of £. — paid him by, or in beh. Town of _____
To 16 Months 26 Days Wages paid him by the Com. 40s. per Month, £. 33. 14. 4.
To Amount of Articles supplied his Family at the re. Price by the Town of Wells — deducting the Va what he paid towards them,
Dec r 31 To Ballance,
By above The Ballance £17. 19. 3, multiplied by 32\frac{1}{2} to make the Depreciation, is in current Money, £. 583. 15.

   Comp y Col. Sprout Regiment. . . . . Cr.     By, £. 30 (Value 2 11 8: 7 By his Service from   the State } 1 11 4: 4 Feb y 15 th 1777   not regulated } 1 11 6: 7 to July 10 th 1778   as them, } 0 11 0: 0 is 16 Months 26   half of the } 12 11 1 11 8 Days, at 40 s. per 33: 14: 8   (Value ) Month, for which   ment at } 2 11 14: 10 the nominal Sum   (Value ) has been paid him   regulated } 19: 16: 0 by the continent.   due of } 17: 19: 3 By Delay & Int a 4: 0 7   £. 37: 15: 3 made up agreeable 37: 15: 3   to his Discharge sign'd   By H c Knox, M c General   28 th Oct r 1783.  
Discharged 10 th July 1778
good. } Ex a J c W c Cert d 15 th Nov r 1783.
A true Copy. . . . .
In testimony of which. I have affixed the Seal of the State the Twenty Sixth day of April 1841.
John P. Dickey Secretary of the Commonwealth

State of Maine in county of York ss. On this first day of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty personally appeared Mary Goodall of Wells in the county of York, and State of Maine aged Ninety five years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by Act of Congress passed July 4th A.D. 1836 - and the Act explanatory of said Act passed March 3 A.D. 1837 -; That she was married to Leachman Gatchell who on the third day of May in the year seventeen hun- dred & seventy five enlisted into Capt Samuel Sayers company in the town of Wells in Maine, then a part of Massachusetts - he immediately joined his com- pany marched to Cambridge Massachusetts - his said company so commanded by Capt. Sayers was a part of the 30th Regiment of Foot commanded by Col. James Seamon - He enlisted for eight months served out that term at Cambridge & in that vicinity till the first part of January 1776 when he was honably discharged - Again my said husband the said Leachman Gatchell on the fifteenth day of February in the year 1777 enlisted in the Colonel's company in Col. Spauld's Regiment & served there till the tenth day of July A.D. 1778 - being sixteen

months of twenty six days, when the necessities of his family compelled him to go home to provide for their support & he was marked as a deserter - Soon after he left the army that is soon after July 10, 1778 - Gen Washington by proclamation offered a pardon to all who should return & join the army. My said husband availed himself of said proclamation, and soon after July 10, 1780 returned and joined the army of the revolution and served till October 28 th 1783, when he was honorably discharged by a written discharge signed by H. Knox Major General, which discharge has been lost, or was handed over to the State Treasurer of Massachusetts, as evidence that he had joined the army after he had been marked as a deserter, when he received his pay of Massachusetts for his previous services. After his return to the army in 1778 he served principally in the Colonel's company & thinks, or in some other company in the new second Massachusetts regiment, all which services were rendered by him as appears by certificate from John C. Bigelow Secy of State of Massachusetts herunto annexed - She further declares that she was married to Lachariah Gatchell aforesaid as stated in her former declaration, and that her said husband the aforesaid Lachariah Gatchell died as stated in her former declaration; that she was afterwards married to Lachariah Goddard who died as stated in her former declaration. That she was a widow on the fourth day of July A D 1836, and still remaining a widow, as

will more fully appear by reference to the proof here to annexed, and by her former declaration now in in the pension department, and the proofs thereto annexed; this declaration being made in addition to or amendment of her former declaration, now in the pension depart- ment at Washington.
Witness Wm. A. Hayes
Jacob Kimball Mary
her
X Goodall marks
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written, by the said Mary Goodall, she being by reason of great age & bodily infirmity unable to travel & attend court - Before me, Wm. A. Hayes, Judge of the Court of Probate in York County, Maine
State of Maine.
York county ss. I, Wm. C. Allen, Register of the Court of Probate of the County and State aforesaid, hereby certify that the Hon. Wm. A. Hayes is the Judge of said Court, and that his signatures here- unto annexed are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto affixed the seal of said Court, and subscribed my name this sixth day of July, 1840.
Wm. C. Allen, Reg. of Probate York County.

I Pelatiah Littlefield of Wells in the County of York and State of Maine Aged Seventy six years on Oath do testify & say that I well knew Zachariah Getchell late of said Wells deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier of the United States — I further testify & say that I belonged to a coasting Vessel employed in the coasting trade between this port & Boston, and I well remember that I was at Boston about the close of the Revolutionary War and there met with the said Zachariah Getchell returning from the Army and that the said Getchell returned home from Boston in the same Vessel with me, and according to my best recollection and belief the said Getchell did serve till the close of the War. —
I well remember that when my Father Noah M. Littlefield who was a Colonel in the the Army returned home in the year 1780 that he brought a letter from the aforesaid Getchell to his Wife and remember that said Getchells Wife came to my Fathers house and received the letter. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. —
In presence of Benj W Littlefield
Pelatiah Littlefield
York ss. July 10. 1838, Then the above named Pelatiah Littlefield whom I certify to be a Man of truth and veracity and his statement entitled to full credit personally appeared and made Solemn Oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true —
Before me Nickl Gilman Just. Peace

I Stephen Annis of Wells in the County of York and State of Maine aged eighty two years, on Oath do testify and say that in the Month of May A.D. 1775 I enlisted as a Revolutionary Soldier of the United States in the company commanded by Capt Samuel Sawyer in Col. James Scammons Regiment for eight Months, and that Zachariah Getchell of said Wells did enlist in the same company and Regiment and did serve with me the said eight Months. — And I further testify that I well recollect that the said Getchell did enlist in said Revolutionary service and enter on said service immediately after the expiration of said eight Months, but in what company and Regiment I cannot tell, and according to my best recollection and belief I feel fully persuaded that the said Getchell did serve till the close of the war. — I further say that I well remember that said Getchell died at sea, but the year when he died I cannot tell but should think that it was as much as forty years since, & that he was in the employ of Nathan Morrill late of said Wells deceased at the time of his death. —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. —
Stephen Annis
In presence of Nich t Gilman Tripham Gilman
York ss. July 9. 1838, Then the above named Stephen Annis made solemn Oath, that the above deposition by him subscribed is true. —
Before me Nich t Gilman Just. Peace —
I further certify that the above named Stephen Annis is a man of truth and veracity and his statement entitled to full credit.
Nich t Gilman Just. Peace

I Benjamin Kimball of Wells in the County of York and State of Maine aged eighty four years, on Oath do Testify and say that in the Month of January A. D. 1776 I enlisted as a private Soldier of the United States in the Army of the Revolution in Capt. Samuel Sayers company and Col: Pattersons Regiment for one year and continued in said service for the year, that I well knew Zachariah Getchell of said Wells deceased, and that the said Getchell did enlist in said company and Regiment with me for the year service and did serve said term and was honourably discharged —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. —
In presence of E. G. Moore Nich: Gilman
Benjamin J. Kimball
York ss. Nov r 9. 1837, Then the above named Benjamin Kimball made solemn Oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true —
Before me Nich: Gilman Just. Peace And I further certify that the above named Benjamin Kimball is a Man of truth & veracity and his statement entitled to full credit. — Nich: Gilman Just. Peace

Joseph Wheelwright of Wells in the county of York and State of Maine, aged eighty seven the ninth day of September next, do pass and say that I have been known Lachariah Gatchell of Wells, he was not far from my age, was born within half a mile from my residence, and always lived near me, except when he was in the army during the revolutionary war. I well remember when he was married by the Pres. Dr. Herringway about the year 1773 to Mary Hilton of said Wells. In the autumn of 1796 he sailed from the harbor of Wells to the West Indies in the Schooner Fanny belonging to Capt. Nathan Merrill and myself. The Schooner did not return till the next spring 1797. The said Lachariah Gatchell never returned, he was reported by all hands on board the Schooner to have died in the West Indies of a fever in the winter of 1796 or 1797. His widow the said Mary Gatchell remained a widow till about twenty five years ago when she was married to Lachariah Goodale my near neighbor - the said Goodale died about twelve years ago - & his widow the same Mary Goodale is still living unmarried as the Widow of said Goodale. In the spring of 1775 in May the said Lachariah Gatchell enlisted in Captain Samuel Doyens company of United States Infantry and marched to Cambridge Massachusetts. It was said at the time that he enlisted for eight months, served that time and immediately after enlisted in the same company for the term of one year which he served. The said Samuel Doyen belonged to the town of Wells, was an own brother to my wife. All these facts were either known to me, or reported to me at that time, and I am confident these facts are true. After the said Gatchell had served eight months and also one year in my brother Samuel Doyens company it was said that in the spring of 1777 - he enlisted in Capt. Doyells company of York, Maine - That same spring of 1777 the said Gatchell while a soldier belonging to Captain Doyells company came home & told me & others that he had a furlough - early in the summer of the same year 1777 one John Littlefield an Ensign came home from the army, and said that the said Gatchell had soon after his time and was published as a deserter - The said Ensign Littlefield

tried to arrest said Gatchell as a deserter & return him to the army, His wife the said Mary Gatchell told me at that time that when Ensign Littlefield came to their house for her husband, she hid him in the cellar & told Littlefield that he had gone a fishing - This was done that her husband might return voluntarily to the army - I well remember that it was said at that time if he would return to the company of his own accord he would be pardoned for absconding his time - The Independent Chronicle a News paper published in Boston Vol. IX. number 454 of date Friday May 2, 1777 is now before me - and on the fourth page middle column of that paper is an advertisement in the words and figures following
Source: Ms. A. 9. 2. 16 July 78
"This is to give notice to Lachariah Gatchell of Wells, "Samuel Lancaster of Newbury, and William, alias Sal- "oman Jordan of Cape Elizabeth, all of Capt. "Dunnell's company in Col. Brewer's Battalion, "who have kept themselves concealed from said " the company; that if they voluntarily surrender "themselves to any officer in the Continental army "or join any camp (bound to Piscataway) before "the 10th day of May next they shall be entitled to "and receive the Pardon offered in General "Washington's Proclamation, otherwise they shall be "dealt with, in every respect as deserters. "Henry Sewall Lieutenant "Boston April 23 - 1777"
I went into the army in January 1777 for three months served at Danbury & Backskill & returned home after the expiration of three months & soon after I got home the said Gatchell went on to Cambridge, joined the army & was said to have been pardoned agreeably to the above advertisement - He did not go into the same company, but he told me that he enlisted for three years - He remained in the army till after the peace in 1783 and returned with other soldiers belonging to this town after the close of the war - I have often seen said Gatchell write & the papers I have seen annexed to Nicholas Gilman's Deposition purporting to be signed by him are genuine, and I have no doubt were really signed with his name by his own hand -

My Memory is as good as it ever was for events which took place many years ago - The said Mary Gatchell was very poor while her husband was in the army, she had a number of small children - a very small lot of very poor land which she managed herself - she suffered very much with poverty & hard work when her husband was in the army - I draw a pension for services in the army during the revolutionary war -
Witness
Wm. A. Hayes
Nich. Gilman
Joseph his son Wheeleright Mark
State of Maine July 11 th A.D. 1830 - Then personally appeared the said Joseph Wheeleright and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed is true - and did further certify that the said Joseph Wheeleright is well known to me to be a person of truth and veracity & his statements are entitled to full credit -
Before me Wm. A. Hayes Just, Peace